The roar of cannons, the crack of rifles, the clip clop of horses’ hooves and the clash of sabers will soon be heard at Historic Jefferson College!

On Saturday, Nov. 12, Historic Jefferson College presents its annual Civil War reenactment — The Wirt Adams Raid into Natchez.

Reenactors from Mississippi and Louisiana will participate in this event, which will include cavalry, artillery and infantry. The reenactment will take place at 2 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

The reenactment is based on Confederate General Wirt Adams and his men’s battle with Federal forces south of Natchez on Dec. 7, 1863. On Dec. 3, 1863, Wirt Adams brought a force of 1,069 men to the outskirts of Washington and encamped. From there, he sent scouts into Union-occupied Natchez to see if it could be taken.

They reported that there were 2,700 troops, both white and colored, and cannons guarded all the approaches and that this was too much for them to launch a successful attack on the city. Adams then made his way to Kingston, and then to Ellis Cliffs, where he was going to harass river traffic. By Dec. 6, the Federals knew of Adams’ presence and sent a cavalry force of 1,500 horsemen to attack the Rebels.

Adams was informed of the forth-coming attack, and he moved first in an offense against the Yankees on the morning of Dec. 7. The Union troops were caught completely off guard, and were forced to make a hasty retreat back to their cannons and fortifications in Natchez.

On Saturday night, there will be a social at 7 p.m. where light refreshments are to be served and the public is invited.  This is a great chance to meet and talk with the reenactors about the Civil War and learn from these living historians.

The usual Sunday afternoon battle reenactment will not take place this year because of the filming of the movie “Rise Again.”  However, the camps will be open to the public starting at 9 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, and visitors may ask any questions they might have about the life of a soldier during the Civil War. A group of lady reenactors also participate each year who are available to provide information about the important role women played during the war.

Visitors to the reenactment should note that the museum gift shop has a variety of Civil War books for sale to the public. There will be a discount sale on many of these books, as well as other items, during the weekend of the reenactment.

Historic Jefferson College is administered by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History and is located four miles northeast of Natchez, off U.S. 61 North. For more information, contact us at hjc@mdah.state.ms.us or call 601- 442-2901.

Admission is free to all events but visitors are advised to bring their own chairs and blankets for sitting.

This event is sponsored by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, the Loyal Order of Moose, Natchez Lodge #1662, the Natchez Historical Society and the Natchez National Park Service.

H. Clark Burkett is a historian at Historic Jefferson College.